Tasty recipes from chef Ronit Penso's kitchen

Banana Cherry Pancakes

Quick and easy to make, fluffy and tasty pancakes are a favorite weekend brunch item. They are also great as a light snack, and if you celebrate Hanukah this week, they are a wonderful addition to the traditional Latkes or fried doughnuts. The version I have here has a pronounced banana flavor, with a touch of acidity from the cherries. Try them and enjoy.

Notes:
* Using more mashed bananas than flour makes the pancakes moist and less heavy. The batter may look too dense when mixing, but don’t be tempted to add milk to it, as you’ll end up with a batter that doesn’t hold its shape when frying.
* As the bananas are quite sweet, and the pancakes are served with maple syrup, I prefer to add just a hint of sugar to the batter. However, if you prefer sweeter pancakes, add more to taste.
* Frozen thawed cherries can be used instead of fresh ones, but pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the batter, so they will not be too watery or change the color of the batter. Fresh berries, especially blueberries, can also be used instead.

1. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed banana, eggs, vanilla and sugar. Add the yogurt, flour, baking powder and salt and mix well. Add the cherries and mix.
2. Pour 2 Tbs oil or clarified butter to a medium frying pan and place over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium and add ¼ cup of the batter for each pancake. Fry until bubbles appear on top and flip to fry the other side until golden. Serve immediately, with maple syrup on the side.

Thank you Suzanne, I’m glad you liked the recipe.
I aimed at making the bananas the main ingredient, and use as little flour as I can. It works well for me, as I find most pancakes too heavy. Hope you’ll enjoy this as well. 🙂

Thank you, I hope you’ll enjoy the results. I always end up with overripe bananas, so need to find a way to use them. By now I think half of my cakes start with bananas, so it was time to find another option! 🙂

Traditionally, any food that’s fried with oil is suitable, as the miracle celebrated had to do with oil.
Your croquette reminded me of the traditional “Latkes” i.e. fried cakes made with grated potatoes, onions and eggs. I plan to make it soon. 🙂

It’s one of my “this and that” kind of pancakes and it worked so well, it was worth documenting. Other fruits can be used as well, and I sometimes add nuts too.
Hope you’ll enjoy them too. Happy Holidays! 🙂

Sorry I am neglecting my blogging but I have been out of town for 2-1/2 weeks caring for a younger sister who had serious surgery. Pancakes, flavored with fruit, are a favorite in my family. Never used cherries though. Looks delicious Ronit!

Thank you Judi, I’m glad you liked this version. I didn’t use cherries either but now that I did, I’m a big fan.
Hope your sister will fully recover soon. She’s so lucky to have such a supportive sister.
Happy Holidays! 🙂

These beautiful fruit laden pancakes look so healthy. I like that there is not a whole lot of flour in it. The addition of yogurt too is intriguing – will definitely have to have a try. Happy Holidays Ronit 🙂